How to fake a cheesecake

Marye Audet is an author, freelance writer and editor. As a work at home mom she has a unique perspective that encompasses the overwhelming deadlines and commitments of the professional woman as well as the constantly changing needs of a...

How to... Create kitchen magic

Create this almost-instant dessert during TV commercials. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days before serving.

Step 1: What you'll need

Make sure you have the following ingredients in the pantry:

8 ounces cream cheese

2 cups whole milk

1 4-serving package instant pudding mix

1 8-inch crumb crust or the ingredients to make one

With these items on hand, you can have a cheesecake in ready to serve in less than an hour.

Step 2: The star ingredient

Cream cheese is the main ingredient in this cheesecake. Full-fat varieties produce better results than their low- or no-fat counterparts.

Use cream cheese at room temperature to make it easier to blend with the other ingredients. You can leave the cream cheese out on the counter for 30 minutes, but the microwave works just as well and is really fast. Just unwrap the cream cheese and place it on a microwave-safe saucer or dish. Microwave it for 20 to 30 seconds — just until it's soft. Drop it in the bowl of your electric mixer.

Step 3: The supporting cast

Blend 1/2 cup of milk with the cream cheese so it's easier to blend in the other ingredients.

Add the pudding mix and the rest of the milk. Beat on low speed for one minute, or beat by hand just until well blended. Quickly pour it into the crust; it sets fast.

Step 4: Just chill

Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for at least an hour or up to two days. When you are ready to serve the dessert, let it stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Fruit pie filling as a topping adds a gourmet touch. Cut into eight pieces and serve.

Step 4: Variety, the spice of life

This recipe works with any flavor of instant pudding mix. Use different types of crumb crusts and toppings to make it just right. Try one of the following flavor combinations or make up your own:

Lemon pudding mix with a lemon curd topping

Chocolate pudding mix with chocolate fudge topping

Vanilla pudding mix with cherry pie filling

White chocolate pudding mix with blueberry pie filling

You also can make individual tart-sized cheesecakes with small crumb crusts in the same way. Just divide the filling evenly among six tart shells.

Step 5: Expect to be popular

Once it gets around that you make a killer cheesecake, you can expect to be invited to every party on the schedule and asked to bring it to every family get-together for the next 20 years.